Buzz
Metallica: Atlas Rise / For Whom The Bell Tolls on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Metallica made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on December 14th in support of their new album, . They performed “Atlas, Rise!”, from the new album in the first segment before going old school in the second with “For Whom The Bell Tolls”. Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, which features Robert Trujillo, debuted at #1 worldwide.
Rush’s 2112 Gets Special 40th Anniversary Re-Release
Forty years ago, Rush released one of the most epic albums of all time. Now Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart are celebrating with a special 40th Anniversary Edition of 2112 that features extensive liner notes, outtakes, and previously unreleased live tracks. “Although [2112] was the band’s fourth album, it’s generally considered to be the one on which the...
Cog Effects Introduces the Rogue One Bass Octave/Fuzz Pedal
The octave pedal specialists at Cog Effects have unleashed a new octave/fuzz called the Rogue One. The flexible pedal combines two of the company’s Grand Tarkin bass fuzz channels with a third parallel sub-octave channel found in their T-70 for a huge sound. “Each fuzz channel is supplemented with additional controls to further refine the sound as well as how...
Talking Style: Quartet Time/Feel
Sometimes a simple shift in accent or change in the length of a note can really mark a particular style or genre. In this episode, I’m taking a very recognizable Dominant 7 line and shifting accents and note length to demonstrate how the exact same harmonic material sounds different in Blues, R&B and Quartet music. Follow along with the transcription...
Adam Ben Ezra: Sunny Shades
It is always great to get a new video from Adam Ben Ezra. In this one, Adam performs his tune “Sunny Shades” at London Live TV.
Vulfpeck Announce Spring 2017 Tour
Joe Dart and Vulfpeck have announced a spring tour that will take the band around North America in May and June. The trek kicks off on May 1st at First Ave in Minneapolis, Minnesota and will include a pair of dates in the city as well as Chicago and Toronto before heading back out west. It will wrap up June...
Making Music: Pro Bassist Insights on Composing
Gigs tend to dry up for bassists during the winter months (besides holiday work), making it the perfect time to start composing new music for the spring. Whether you’re a seasoned composer or just starting out on the bass, writing music will help you grow as a player and musician. We compiled some advice from the world’s top bass players...
The Funky Knuckles: Moorish
Here’s another great video by The Funky Knuckles and bassist Wes Stephenson. This high energy tune brings all the goodness: great bass (and bass faces), horns, and all the rest.
Neil Young Releases “Peace Trail,” Featuring Paul Bushnell
Folk/rock legend Neil Young has released his 37th studio album, entitled Peace Trail. The stripped-down, 10-song collection is classic Young that focuses on social and political issues in his own unique voice. Though he has been touring with Promise of the Real for the past two years, the songwriter decided to tap session drum master Jim Keltner and bassist Paul...
Providence Introduces PEC-4V Programmable Effects Controller
Providence has expanded their line of utility pedals with the PEC-4V. The programmable effects controller features their Vitalizer circuit with four Provolt9 DC9V outputs. The effects loops break down into three series loops and one separate that can be set up in four combinations to be recalled instantly in program mode. A direct mode allows for directly turning each loop...
Resistance to Change
Q: Why are some musicians resistant to changing gear and/or playing techniques when the player gets faced with pain, hits a technical wall or is dissatisfied with their own progress? A: Note: I saw this question on a Facebook thread I was tagged in recently and thought it was a good one. I paraphrased it a little bit to keep...
The Derek Trucks Band: Get What You Deserve
Here’s a great clip of The Derek Trucks Band with bassist Todd Smallie tearing it up in a live performance of “Get What You Deserve.” This track and video comes from the band’s release.